MN Nature in St Paul, MN, offers Memorial Weekend ideas to get out there and appreciate nature. All events listed here FREE unless otherwise noted.
05/29/17
Sibley and the Civil War Guided Walk
10 AM to 11 AM
Sibley State Park
Guided Glacial Pothole Tour
12 PM to 1 PM
Interstate State Park
Make and Take a Fossil
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Interstate State Park
Falls View Hike
11-11:30 AM Enjoy great views and discover falls history as you explore the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. Don’t forget your camera. Majority of the hike will involve descending stairs on this 3/4 mile walk. Meet at the Visitor Center Art Column.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Nature Bathing at Bluestem Prairie SNA
9:30 AM-11:30 AM Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing called Shinrin-Yoku, nature bathing involves mindfulness based activities that support health and wellness in nature. Just spending time in nature is scientifically proven to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Program will begin near the swimming pond at Buffalo River State Park and end at Bluestem Prairie SNA.
Bluestem Prairie SNA
Intro to Geocaching
10 AM Geocaching is an outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy! If you have wanted to try it or are looking for a great family activity, now is your chance! GPS units will be provided with instructions on use and a chance to practice. Then you will get an opportunity to find a few caches to hone your skills. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Wild River State Park
Wildflowers of Kathio
10:30-NOON This is a 2-part program. A slide show illustrating many wildflowers that grow in the area will be followed by a trail walk to see what?s in bloom. The slide show will be 30 minutes long and the accessible hike will take about an hour. You are welcome to attend either or both parts of the program. Meet at the Interpretive Center.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
05/30/17
Boundary Waters Trip Planning Basics
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Join REI’s Boundary Waters experts for this information packed class on planning and preparing your own Boundary Waters adventure with trip-tested ideas and suggestions. We will cover an overview of the BWCAW, trip planning, information on permits, equipment, packing, portaging, food and more! The program will be especially helpful for the first time Boundary Waters traveler. REGISTER
Roseville REI
Superior Hiking Trail Basics
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Start planning your adventure on the Superior Hiking Trail. REI expert staff will give you a solid foundation to get you started planning everything from a weekend hike to an extended backpacking trip or thru hike. This class will give an overview of trip planning, preparation and gear. REI staff will share information on routes with lots of great personal tips. You’ll gain resources and advice to give you confidence you need to plan your own hiking adventure on this great trail! REGISTER
BLOOMINGTON REI (750 W American Blvd, Bloomington, MN 55420)
Bugs and Blooms Walk
Itasca State Park
05/31/17
Itasca’s Mysteries in History: The Itasca Biological Station
Itasca State Park
06/01/17
BOW – Pro-Tips! Mille Lacs Smallmouth Bass Trip, Mille Lacs Lake – Date TBD
Pro angler Mandy Uhrich is leading a small mouth fishing trip on Mille Lacs known for phenomenal bass fishing. Weekend includes, lodging, seminar and on-water fishing. Equipment provided.
Mille Lacs Lake
Twilight Paddle on the Mississippi River
6:30-8 PM Celebrate 50 years of the Mississippi River Water trail! Bring your own canoe or kayak for a leisurely evening paddle on the first two miles of the Mississippi River. Discover the natural and cultural history of the area as we look for wildlife. Notes: Bring your own canoe/kayak, lifejackets and paddles; equipment not provided. All participants must wear life jackets. Program dependent on weather. Registration required. Limited to 15 watercraft. Contact the park naturalists for details and to reserve your slot: Sandra at 218-699-7252
Itasca State Park
Lil’ Park PEEPS-Wildflower Safari
10:30-11:30 Bring your “Lil’ PEEP” to this preschool environmental education program designed for ages 2 – 5 years. This month we’ll explore flowers through engaging stories, songs, activities and outdoor exploration. Depending on weather conditions we may spend part of the program outdoors, so bring appropriate clothing. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park
MinnAqua Youth: Adult:Mentor Beginners Fly-Fishing Weekend 06/02/17 – 06/04/17
Youth-adult pairs will learn how to fly fish with hands-on instruction from a volunteer mentor! Join other youth-adult pairs in beautiful southeastern Minnesota for a weekend of fun, fishing, and friendship. After teaching you how to cast a fly rod on land, your mentor will take you fishing on local trout streams. Each youth and adult participant receives a new fly combo to keep.
Lanesboro, MN
Frogs and Toads
8- 9 PM Leap into the world of frogs and toads! Discover which species call Minnesota home and learn about their fascinating lifecycle. Find out which frog is the largest, which frog turns into an ice cube, and which frog has special suction cup-like toes. Hop on down to the amphitheater for a closer look and meet some of these special animals in person.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
Art Opening – Adam Frankiewicz
7-8:30 PM
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The June art show at Tettegouche State Park will feature the artwork of Adam Frankiewicz and will feature colorful and artful illustrations of aquatic organisms. Come meet the artist at our Show Opening Event. visit the website |
Tettegouche State Park
Friday Fun Day
NOON-1 Pack up the family and visit Sibley for an hour of an interactive naturalist time! We might play a game or go fishing or geocache! Something new every time! Bring a nature object to share for show and tell.
Sibley State Park
How’d it Do That?!: Amazing Animal Adaptations
8-9 PM Have you ever seen a frog climbing high up a wall or watched a loon disappear into the depths of the water and think to yourself ‘how’d it do that?!’ discover the hows and how comes at this program. Meet at the Interpretive Center Amphitheater.
Sibley State Park
Turtle Rescue Field Trip –VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
5-8 PM turtles are crossing a busy road as they travel over a mile from their wetlands to nest in the sand prairies. On this field trip, you can help this threatened species survive by helping a few of them cross the road. The program will begin with a short indoor training at the Whitewater State Park Visitor Center and then we will caravan approximately 20 miles to the rescue site. Reservations are required. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-932-3007 ext. 226.
Whitewater State Park
06/03/17
Women’s Outdoor Expo, Hugo MN
Sample a variety of classes at this expo hosted by Women Hunting & Fishing. Activities include target shooting, archery, hunting and fishing techniques and more. REGISTER
Hugo, MN
BOW – Bow fishing 2 Part Series: Part 2: Bow fishing trip, Alexandria area
Bow fishing utilizes specialized archery equipment to shoot and retrieve fish. Learn the basics during the seminar then register for the fishing trip. License required. Hosted by Land of Lakes Bow fishing Association. CONTACT: linda.bylander@state.mn.us
Alexandria area, MN
06/03/17 – 12/01/17 Muskellunge (Muskie) – 2017 season
Fossil Hike
10-11:30 AM We’re expecting a good yield of 450 million year old brachiopods on this fossil collecting field trip. Meet at the amphitheater for a brief talk followed by a car caravan to a location outside the park where you can keep the fossils you find. Collecting is not allowed in the park. * Participants must drive their own vehicle from the meeting location to another site. Sun protection is recommended.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
Paddle the Glendalough Chain of Lakes
10-3 PM Explore the three lakes in the park and the streams connecting them at Glendalough State Park. These sections are appropriate for beginners through experts, and participants will be under the guidance of experienced instructors. We will start at Molly Stark Lake and paddle to Lake Blanche. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $15 per canoe, which includes a shuttle, equipment, and life jackets. Bring a lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and come have some fun on these beautiful streams and lakes.
Glendalough State Park
Wolves at Our Door
7-8 PM Come learn about these amazing creatures that used to visit the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will learn about the basics of wolf biology, pack dynamics, habitat, and wolf management. Presented by International Wolf Center. Ideally suited for ages 8 and up.
Whitewater State Park
Plant for Pollinators: Investigation Station
2:30-3:30 PM Native plants are not only beautiful, they also give food and habitat to countless creatures. Discover how you can put them to work in your own backyard with a simple and easy craft you can take home. Drop-in near the visitor center for this ongoing program.
Interstate State Park
Historical Collection Event
4-5 PM We are interested in collecting photos, stories, articles, maps and other historical research about Minneopa State Park. Stop by the picnic shelter at the waterfalls side with your historical materials and we will scan the various documents.
Minneopa State Park
Birding at Bear Head
8-10 PM Meet at the park office for a guided walk to listen and look for the variety of bird species within the park. A limited number of binoculars will be available for free checkout or bring your own. Dress for the weather, insect repellent is recommended. Meet at the Park Office.
Bear Head Lake State Park
Guided Glacial Pothole Tour
NOON-1 PM You are invited to experience the stunning scenery and incredible story of Interstate State Park. An interpretive naturalist will lead you over, under and through world-renowned rock features on this 45-minute tour. Discover how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the unique glacial potholes and even step inside one. All ages are welcome. Expect some uneven terrain and stairs. Meet at the visitor center.
Interstate State Park
Invasive Removal –Volunteer Stewardship Project
10-2 PM The task for this volunteer stewardship project is to remove an infestation of invasive cow vetch. We will also take a tour, exploring open sand dunes and see what is blooming. Wear long pants (poison ivy). Bring something to eat and drink, gloves and bug repellent.
Uncas Dunes SNA
Take Flight! Spotting Spring Birds
8- 10 AM Meet at the compass rose under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Itasca State Park
Archery in the Parks 06/03/17 – 06/04/17
Here is your chance to learn how to shoot a bow in a safe, supervised setting. The Archery in the Parks program is designed for families and people of all ages and skill levels. You can get hands on instructions from a certified instructor along with experience with target practice. Learn a lifelong skill. Adults must accompany participants younger than 14 years of age. All equipment is provided. Open shoot is from 10 am to 2 pm both June 3 & 4.
Big Stone Lake State Park
Smokey Bear Visits Big Bog!
10-NOON Following several deadly fires in MN, the MN Forest Service established Waskish as a District Ranger location in 1925. This site is now home to the Big Bog SRA campground. Climb the 100? fire tower for a spectacular view of Upper Red Lake and the Big Bog. Visit with a wildland fire fighter and have your picture taken with special guest, Smokey Bear! Meet at the Visitor Center.
Big Bog State Recreation Area
River Fishing for Fun
12:30-3 PM Learn what fish need to survive and how to identify them, than fish on the Mississippi River. Fishing poles and bait will be provided; no fishing license is needed.
Fort Snelling State Park
Minnesota River Paddle
9 AM Take an 8 mile paddle on the Minnesota River from the Riverfront Park in Mankato to Seven Mile Creek Park. We will lead the paddle and provide the canoes, life jackets, paddles and transportation back to the put-in point at River View Park. The Minnesota River flows for 317.9 miles from Big Stone Lake to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling. On this stretch of the Minnesota River we will be paddling in a mostly northern direction through a forested floodplain. Please sign up at the park office (prior reservation required). We will meet at the River View Park in Mankato.
Minneopa State Park
Parks and Trails at Richfield Farmers Market
7-NOON DNR staff will be at the community booth June 3rd at the Richfield Farmers Market and “We’re All Ears” for your input and feedback on your parks and trails. After picking up your farm fresh produce and high quality homemade products, stop by our booth and engage with us. We want to know what you want from your parks and trails and what we can do to make Minnesota’s State Parks and Trails enjoyable and accessible to all!
6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN, 55423
Have You Ever Seen a Fish Riding a Bike?
11 AM-1PM Meet the naturalist at the Interpretive Center to bike to a fun new fishing spot. Fishing poles and bait are provided but bikes are not. You may also bring your own pole as long as you can safely bike with it. Bike helmets are mandatory!
Sibley State Park
Flower Frolic
2-3 PM Tiptoe through the prairie along the .7 mile Pond View loop! Discover the stories behind flower names and see if you can spy a pollinator resting on the colorful petals. Meet the naturalist outside the Interpretive Center. A
Sibley State Park
Turtles
4-5 PM Meet a live turtle and discover what about it makes so adaptable to life in Minnesota.
Sibley State Park
Veteran’s Conservation Corps Hike
7-8 PM Meet the men who built Sibley State Park in the 1930’s. Veteran’s of WWI, victims of the great depression, and suffering losses from the dust bowl, these men came together to build by hand the structures of log and stone you see at the park.
Sibley State Park
Birding by i-Phone
7:30-9 AM Early risers cometh; donuts and coffee await you. Wake up to birding basics then grab your smart device to hit the trails.
Sibley State Park
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